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September 26, 2012

An emaciated dog, Spartacus, was turned into the Roanoke pound today. Thanks to the kindness of RCACP volunteers and staff members (Libby, Kristen, and Jennifer), he was quickly transferred
to Angels of Assisi.

Notice how much his collar hangs off of his neck? We all wondered if at one time it fit him properly.

Upon arrival to Angels of Assisi, Spartacus received some IV fluids, controlled meals, wormer, a bath, fresh air, sunshine, and big dose of TLC. Soon he will be ready for foster care, and the beginning of a new life. Somehow, it seems like the moment his owner decided to turn him into the pound was the best thing that has happened to him in along time.

Thank you to all who support the Biscuit Fund, and in doing so, enriching the lives of so many.

Every single time you help somebody stand up, you are helping humanity rise.
- Steve Maraboli,
Life, the Truth, and Being Free

September 20, 2012

Dusty was transferred from the RCACP a few weeks ago. He's pretty symboic of all that Angels of Assisi is- not perfect and a little snaggely around the edges, but kind hearted, willing to jump right in, and, through it all, able to bring out the best in people.

When I say it's you I like, I'm talking about that part of you that
knows that life is far more than anything you can ever see or hear or
touch. That deep part of you that allows you to stand for those things
without which humankind cannot survive. Love that conquers hate, peace
that rises triumphant over war, and justice that proves more powerful
than greed.”
―
Fred Rogers

September 18, 2012

There are always animals at our RCACP pound in need of help, and often the people that are looking out for them need some extra support as well. This seems to be just one of those times.

Check out the note below, and let's spread the word to get this girl a home.

Lisa, I couldn't get any good
pictures of her. I've been keeping an eye on her since I first saw her during
her hold time. She was so frightened. She cowers in her corner in her cage, however the cage is
her safe spot and where she feels safe at. I had her out for over an hour
today. I had to carry her out of her cage. She will not walk out of her. She
walked some in the bay but kept trying to get under tables and hide. I got her
outside and she was scared and she wouldn't potty.

She trembles, and she is
very, very loveable. She will lay on your lap and put her head down. I hope you can help with her.

If ever a dog at this facility deserved a chance, it's her. Please contact us if you can help.

It has been a while since the last real post in this blog. Although there is no real need for explanations, because, after all, we are not all that, they would include a hectic schedule, time sliding by, etc and so on.

This little on-line story telling place is written from the heart, and truth be told, mine has been tired lately. Tired of people being mad. Tired of people being mad at me. Tired of our local pound situation that seemed to be improving not so long ago, and is now sliding backwards again, with kill rates back up to 40%.

Tired of seeing photos of these animals at the pound, knowing that
unless volunteers and a very select number of pound employees intervene, they will be killed without even getting a chance.

Here is the thing though, the bottom line, what it is. In our chosen profession and/or place we dedicate ourselves to, the rescue world, there will always be some discord, some anger, and animals in need.

Those things are not going away. It is how we choose to deal with them that matters. In fact, it is probably more that we choose to expect to deal with them, and that we will do our best and remain friends at the end of the day. And for those closest to us, to know that while the ties that bind may have initiated and revolve around these animals, we need to remember that there is another layer underneath; sometimes human to human bonds need time to connect and replenish, and at times may need some space. None of that makes the love any less.

With all of that said, the cat in the photo above will be transferred to Angels of Assisi as soon as he is off of stray hold. The dog is off of stray hold today, and will be transferred to us this afternoon. He or she will need some medical care, a foster home, a name. We believe this dog will get all of those things, and very soon.

We have had two record breaking months of adoptions in a row, and
welcome the extraordinary talents of Chaz and Tina to our adoption
center staff. They have brought with them a wonderful combination of OCD
order and compassion, and that is nothing short of a win win for all.

We
also have a wonderful new group of volunteers helping the on-line
applications, and a marvelously quirky group (saying that with love!)
called the Biscuit Weavers, making animal themed crafts to benefit the
Biscuit Fund.

The first phase of our new website
has been a hit all the way around, and Xan outdid herself making it
efficient and super cool to navigate through. This lady has been very
patient with us, and we have utmost respect for all she does.

All
in all, much to be thankful for, and energized by. Thank you from the
bottom of our hearts for your support, your talents, and your
dedication. It is not always easy, but that certainly does not make the
love any less. Hope to see everyone for the Biscuit Bash on Saturday!

It's not a case of the glass being half full or half empty; more that
we tipped a whole half-pint into an empty pint pot. I had to see how
much was there, though, and now I know.
~ Nick Hornby

September 2, 2012

The adoption center was hopping this afternoon, and in the middle of people and animals coming and going, a very nice young woman waited patiently to speak with one of the staff. I made my way around the waiting room, and asked how we could help.

She said that she was supposed to be picking up one of the adoption center dogs, Apollo, but could not. While speaking, she sort of thrust a shopping bag at me. I asked her what had happened, my thoughts jumping around to see if there was some sort of problem we could help with.

"I got the call last night. I am being deployed a week from Tuesday."

We could not help at all. Her brave face crumpled as I opened up the shopping bag, and the brand new collar, leash, and toys sank both of our hearts even further. Her eyes welled with tears, and in a shaking voice asked me to give him his new things.

I wanted to promise her that it would all be OK. That she would be just fine, and that we would hold her dog for her until she came home. But I couldn't, so instead promised her that Apollo would get his new things, be the one who was safe, and thanked her. Tears still flowing, she left.

As it turns out, a nice family was right behind her, and fell in love
with him just like she did. Apollo went home today- with a good family
who will keep him safe and provide a wonderful home.

Our hearts go with the young woman who is leaving to serve our country. Apollo was not meant to be her dog, but we know that the right one will be waiting for her when she returns, and we can't wait to see it happen. For now, all we can do is be grateful, hug those we love a little tighter, and wish her the very best.

May
the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May
the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your
fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his
hand. ~Irish Blessing

About Us

Your Gift Brings Hope

Your contribution to Angels of Assisi funds low cost spay/neuter programs, provides food, shelter, and medical care to pets in need, and helps with animal rescue in our community. Together we can make a difference!